zapatistas.html

Zapatista leader Subcomandante Marcos is greeted at the Villa Olimpica
in Mexico City after speaking to several hundred university students.

Zapatistas press for rights

Mexican rebels take their fight from countryside to cities

Mexico's Zapatista rebellion under Subcomandante Marcos took its struggle from the jungles of Chiapas to Mexico City this spring, perhaps because of the feeling that new President Vicente Fox might favor their cause.

Several hundred EZLN members went on what has become known as the "Zapatour," to gain support for their initatives, which include the removal of army bases from Chiapas and autonomy for Mexico's various Indian tribes.

Although many believe that their cause is just, some fear that autonomy for the many tribes would cause the "Balkanization" or fragmentation of Mexico. The Zapatistas arrived in Mexico City on March 11, 2001.

Zapatistas listen as Subcomandante Marcos speaks at the Zocalo.

EZLN comandantes stand at the Zocalo, historic and symbolic heart of Mexico. They hope to get the federal government to pass Indian rights laws. Perhaps 100,000 Mexico City residents attended a rally to greet the Zapatistas when they entered the Zocalo in Mexico City on March 11.

Photos by Billy Calzada
http://www.billycalzada.com/

To next photo feature, "Colombia crisis"


EZLN comandantes stand at the Zocalo, historic and symbolic heart of Mexico. They hope to get the federal government to pass Indian rights laws.	Perhaps 100,000 Mexico City residents attended a rally to greet the Zapatistas when they entered the Zocalo in Mexico City on March 11.